The second phase of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee’s ‘Samay Paribartanor Yatra’ entered Sivasagar district on Saturday, drawing enthusiastic participation from local residents. The yatra, led by APCC president Gaurav Gogoi, began at the Dimow public playground and proceeded from Dimow to Athabari, before reaching Bakat.
At Bakat, Gogoi addressed a public meeting before continuing towards Sivasagar. During an interaction with the media, he said that people have extended spontaneous support to the ‘Samay Paribartanor Yatra’.
Taking a swipe at the BJP government, Gogoi alleged that the state administration had neglected the legacy of iconic singer Zubeen Garg. He claimed that due respect had not been paid to “Zubeen Kshetra” and alleged a lack of maintenance and developmental initiatives at the site. “The government that talks about building flyovers has failed to take even basic steps for the development of Zubeen Kshetra. It is unfortunate that fans and family members have to take responsibility for its upkeep,” he said.
During the yatra, the Congress leadership also sought blessings at the Shri Shri Sankardev Namghar at Panibil Gomothagaon in Sivasagar. The procession resonated with slogans and songs, including “Aji Alikati Jali Dim, Barpeera Pari Dim, Eibar Congress Sarkar Ani Dim,” energising party workers and supporters.
Gogoi personally supervised various aspects of the yatra, ensuring its smooth and disciplined conduct while engaging directly with the public. As the yatra entered different parts of the Sivasagar constituency, local residents accorded him a warm welcome. He also addressed several small roadside meetings during the course of the programme.
In his speeches, Gogoi said that the people of Assam now desire a peaceful and progressive “new greater Assam” instead of politics driven by fear. He asserted that people were no longer intimidated and were welcoming the Congress with open arms.
Launching a strong attack on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Gogoi alleged that Assam was witnessing corruption and misgovernance. He accused the government of shutting down public schools while liquor shops were being opened across villages, and claimed that drug trafficking was rampant. “The Chief Minister is busy distributing money for votes, but has no time to see whether that money is being used for alcohol or drugs,” he alleged.
Gogoi further stated that women in Assam do not wish to remain mere beneficiaries of government schemes. Referring to the Orunodoi scheme, he claimed that many women feel uncomfortable accepting financial assistance funded through loans. “Women in Assam want to become self-reliant and stand on their own feet,” he said.
He assured that if the Congress comes to power, schemes would be improved and made more accessible. Eligible women, he promised, would receive benefits directly in their bank accounts without being compelled to attend party meetings.
The yatra was attended by Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia, MP Pradyut Bordoloi, former Rajya Sabha MP Ripun Bora, Titabar MLA Bhaskar Jyoti Baruah and several senior leaders of the Sivasagar District Congress Committee.
According to party sources, the next leg of the ‘Samay Paribartanor Yatra’ will be held in Naharkatia and Duliajan in Dibrugarh district on Sunday, with the presence of the party’s top leadership.